Andromache.

A month had passed after the storm.

The storm lasted a week. For three days it assaulted the city. For the rest it simply rained. It went inland which took Hector out of the palace but didn't draw Padme from hiding. Which surprised me. She and Hector had fought before on more the one occasion. Never had she remained hidden from him for so long.

It slightly worried me.

Though she had disappeared for weeks at a time before, so I was not too worried just yet.

It was a very late night when Hector returned.

Very late.

The bell outside woke me as the watchmen spotted a ship on the horizon.

I rubbed the small bump on my womb as I sleepily sat up. Half awake I slid from bed and walked across the bedroom. Out onto the balcony. The moon illuminated the ship.

At the sight of the ship I completely woke.

Hector was home!

From in the palace Paris's excited screams woke whoever had not woken from the bell.

I ran from the balcony to my wardrobe, I took out my robe and pulled it on. Then I ran from my chambers. Out in the hall. Past Tarus who followed behind me quickly.

Where I ran into Paris, who at the sight of me began to scold me, "Andromache!

Why are you running! You're with child! You do not need to run! You need to walk slowly so the baby does not come out."

I sighed impatiently, his logic never ceased to amaze me. "Paris. The baby will not come out if I run. The baby will not fall out if I walk down stairs. The baby will not be squashed if I lay on it. The baby cannot hear me swear."

Paris put his hands on my stomach, "Do not talk like it can't hear you!"

I rolled my eyes, "Paris. Quit touching me!"

He took his hands back and asked, "Did it kick yet?"

"No. Now get out of my way, Hector's home." I walked around him to get to the front of the palace to greet my husband. But Paris grabbed my robe!

Stopping me!

I let out a scream, "Paris!"

Paris grabbed me around the waist and scooped me up with difficulty. With a shriek I wrapped my arms around his waist and began to threaten him, "Put me down, Paris! Now! Paris!"

He walked a few steps and told me, "Stop moving! Andromache you need to worry about my nephew."

I glared into his young face.

I could see the determination on his face as he carried me down the halls. I could feel the muscles in his arms tremble. His forehead broke out in a sweat. For a few moments I was worried that he would drop me.

"Paris, please put me down."

We passed the library as he told me, "Andromache, trust me, I will not drop you."

I did not trust him.

"Paris if you drop me I will send you down to Hades myself!"

By the grace of the Gods he did not drop me. He carried me all the way to the palace entrance and set me down. Once my feet touched the ground I was more the relived.

Priam left the Priest and advisor he had been speaking to and came to us, "Andromache, why are you out of bed? Hector will return to your chambers when we're through with him."

It took all I had not to make a face, and I also smacked Paris's hands from the small of my back as he tried to feel the baby. "Priam, I want to see my husband! He has been away for two long months. Forgive me if I wish…Paris Keep Your Hands To Yourself!"

Priam took my hand to calm me, "Andromache. Please, you must be patient with us, this is our first grandchild and nephew."

Perhaps it was the cool night air that calmed me.

But I found myself not just hearing Priam, but I understood how he felt. Which surprised me more then it should have. Infact, I found myself leaning against my father-in-law and telling him, "I understand."

Priam kissed my temple, though I had to lean down for him to reach. "You will make a wonderful mother Andromache and Hector will make a wonderful father."

Paris's hand reached around my waist and I jumped. I spun around and slapped him, "Paris! Stop touching me!"

He touched my stomach every chance he got, every last time he saw me! If he kept it up I was afraid his hand would become stuck to my stomach. Paris made a face of annoyance, "It's my nephew!"

"Well it's MY child! When my husband gets here I am going to tell!"

Only when the words were out of my mouth did I realize how childish I sounded, but Priam patiently told Paris, "Son. Leave her be, if Andromache does not wish to be touched. Do not touch her. Do not give Hector a reason to chase you through the palace, please."

At that I stuck my tongue out at Paris and rubbed my bump.

My eyes looked out over the night-covered city, looking for my husband. I looked to Priam, "Why can we not go meet Hector?"

Priam laughed, "Pregnancy has turned you into a child again."

I was offended.

Almost.

Priam rubbed my back, "I am a old man. Do you honestly believe I can walk all the way to the beach? In the dark no less?"

"Well I could go," I told him.

With a knowing look Priam asked, "Do you remember what happened the last time you went to go greet Hector at his ship?"

I blushed.

Paris added, "We did not hear from either of you until the next day!"

To which Priam added, "Hector refused to leave his cabin. While I don't believe my grown son would do that again. I would not put it past him."

Then Paris added, as if we were not surrounded my priests, guards, and advisors, "You cannot be intimate until the child comes out. Hector might hurt it."

A blush burnt across my face.

I looked up to the Gods and prayed they would strike me down. Or every man that stood around me at least. Priam rubbed my back while he softly laughed.